Tuesday, December 6, 2011

The Donkey Ride

An Ungerer take on the classic tale of the miller, his son and the donkey. Wherein a miller and his son toting a load to market on their trusty ass meet stranger after stranger with no qualms about making their load weightier with criticism.

This morning, after they had been walking along the road for an hour or so, they passed a woman standing in her yard with a fat little baby.

"Good day, madam," said the man. "It is pleasant with the sun melting the dew, is it not?" He tipped his hat most cordially.

"Good day indeed!" snorted the woman. "Pleasant indeed! The sun is fairly scorching the dew, and here you are making that poor boy walk. Doubtless he is nearly faint with heat and thirst, and you, sir, should be ashamed of yourself!" And the woman stalked into the house.

Next thing you know, the boy is riding. When they happen upon another man who guilts the boy into allowing his father to ride. After another quip, they both are riding, until at last they, themselves, are actually carrying the donkey.

You can imagine that doesn't end well, and the moral is revealed... You can't please everybody, and some people are never satisfied. Here, here.